Explosives surrendered in Toowoomba region
An elderly woman in the Toowoomba region has avoided injury after calling Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) to dispose of explosives found on her property.
The woman discovered three plain detonators and about 10 metres of detonator cord in a shed on her Plainby farm, after her husband passed away.
Unsure what to do, she asked her son who suggested burying the explosives, before she saw a story about RSHQ, the explosives regulator, on the news and called us instead.
RSHQ's Deputy Chief Inspector of Explosives Snezana Bajic said the woman's story is not uncommon.
"This is something our explosives inspectors hear all the time," said Ms Bajic.
"A relative, usually on a farming property in Queensland, passes away and then their loved ones find explosives but aren't sure what to do with them.
"Our advice is to always err on the side of caution even if it's a small amount of explosives because those little items can do a great deal of damage.
"Definitely don't bury explosives and don't try to transport them yourself.
"Call us on 1300 739 868, even if you aren't sure what you've located, and we will send an explosives inspector to assist."
Seized explosives are taken to a secure location and destroyed by RSHQ explosives inspectors.
ENDS
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Amy McCann
0457 094 250
Last updated: 28 May 2025